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72
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES
To the Medical Officer of Health.
I beg to submit a report for the year ending 31st December,
1953, of the work of the Sanitary Inspectors and other officers
under my supervision.
During the past two or three years much time and thought
has been given to the mass "education" of food handlers in
matters of food hygiene. Talks and visual aids have been
employed and when the opportunity arises these methods are
still used. There is, however, apparent a growing appreciation
by all concerned, namely trader, handler and the public of the
need for cleanliness in the preparation and service of food and
the inspectorate are finding that personal contact with the handler
at his or her place of business is the better atmosphere in which
to "educate". Inspection of food premises at regular intervals
and action against any serious defaulters is still the best form of
control. The pending new Food and Drugs Act and the regulations
to be made thereunder, will give further help to those
officers who have the duty of safeguarding the food supply.
From that part of the report to do with the repair of houses
it will be seen that there is little diminution in the work in this
field. The pending new Housing Act with its slum clearance
provisions and its repairs and rents sections will increase the
burden on this section over the next few years, but on the
system of "first things first" I feel we will be able to cope with
the additional work involved.
Atmospheric pollution has been given more attention during
the year, and pollution has been observed on routine inspections
and following complaints. Success has attended our efforts in
most cases, and in those cases which appear slow to improve
progress is being made.
The statistical tables and comments in the body of the report
give some indication of the amount and variety of work done in a
loyal and conscientious manner by those under my control.
GEO. GRIEVE,
Chief Sanitary Insfector